Russia-Ukraine War Part 2

[drekwins]

You are not going to find me sticking up for or defending anyone in congress. Those career con-men and women do not have our best interests at heart and never have. This country is at its weakest right now in terms of foreign diplomacy. We don't have a strong leader and we don't have a united front. We are being embarrassed on the world stage where previous "allies" are jumping ship.

What is going on in the world right now is an attempted power grab by several countries. Prior to the Ukraine conflict, our adversaries saw the United States as "war-avoidant", since the US just "recently" ended the Iraq/Afghanistan wars. They believed that the American public had zero stomach for additional conflict... thus, they saw this weakness as an opportunity. Why wouldn't they? The US completely dropped the ball in Syria. There was no consequence over Crimea. China really had no consequence for their man-made islands and territorial grabs within the South China Sea. Then, to top it all off, Trump completely backstabbed the Kurdish and allowed Russia/Turkey/Iran to move in to take land that US troops held, in order to withdraw from the regions near the Iraq/Syria/Turkey border.

America showed nothing but weakness. Then, after Biden took over, the withdrawal from Afghanistan was a disaster, and made it even worse.

As a result, Russia never expected the United States to have any appetite to support Ukraine. Just think, while in office, Trump wanted the US to leave NATO... look at how foolish that appears now. Thus, when NATO and America stepped up, they were probably shocked. Russia mis-calculated... and there has been a definite effect on China, who has been watching closely.

Make no mistake, many countries want to reshape the world and gain power. There is no question. The best response is an extremely defiant, strong and responsive United States, and NATO. They are constantly lingering and waiting to take advantage of a slip up. They must be challenged at every sign of aggression.

With that said, numerous counties are certainly concerned about the impact that 'Western sanctions could have on their countries if the West decides to target them. To an extent, there is a good reason for this...because the sanctions are effective. It's somewhat of a verification of how strong the unified sanctions are.. With that said, a majority of the global skilled labor, technology, innovation and financial systems are concentrated in the West. The economies are extremely advanced and strong. Just look at three key statistics: the unemployment rate of BRICs countries, their GDP per capita and average educational achievement/literacy. The West is so much more robust and will keep attracting/pumping out intellectual talent as a result. This is not going to change anytime soon. These other countries still have major hurdles to overcome.

I liked the countries economic and foreign deplomacy position better with Trump at the helm. America took a stand against countries that weren't willing to help themselves and only looked to profit and rebuild their infrastructure with our money. We pay, we support but what are you giving back? Fair deals for American gain and growth that would be mutually beneficial. Not backdoor dealing shrouded in espionage and violence. We had a conflict with North Korea? Trump was brave enough to go right into the lion's den and look Kim Jong Un right in the eyes and tell him what he would do. Russia? Trump sat down with Putin like men and talked like leaders. The Middle East? Trump brokered a historic peace treaty between Israel and Sudan. We had a leader who wasn't all talk behind a podium thousands of miles away. He stepped up and as a business man does, treated the country as a successful business. Did it piss off countries who have been leaching off of us for years? Absolutely but it set a new precident until the puppets went back to business as usual.

We were energy independent, we were exporting, quality of life was improving in this country until the mass hysteria and fear mongering started to purposely sink us.

Lets not sensationalize what Trump did in those conversations. He gave concessions and compromised American morals/ideals. He told Xi that the detention camps and genocide he is committing sounded like "a good idea". TBH, we really have no idea what he told "Rocket Man" or Putin behind the scenes.

I think you're concentrating far too much on the press releases and talking points. Trump and his team are all about PR. They'll spin anything. Instead, look at the facts. His team has uncomfortably deep personal and business ties to Russian agents. In his conversations with Xi/Putin, transcripts were hidden from the public. Calls and communications were made with no records whatsoever. Roger Stone, Rudi, Sundland were conducting political errands on the side for him all over Europe and the Middle East. Then, in Syria/Iraw, we completely appeased Assad, Russia & Erdogan, at the expense of our greatest Middle Eastern ally, who were the only ones willing to put massive troops on the ground to fight in our interests.

When he talks about Bidens ties to China, it's not because his moral compass is buzzing off. I truly think that it comes from a place of jealousy. He wants the connections there. He has them in Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, etc., but not with Xi or his cronies. Trump thinks about his personal interests first, second and third and gets extremely bitter if someone has access that he does not. Now, I'm not defending Biden either. Quite the opposite. But, Trump isn't Gandhi either.

Therefore, what you call "taking a stand", was really gifting Russia and China new territory and allies to work with, at our expense. The dude wanted to get out of NATO... That is malpractice at the highest degree and a clear nugget for Russia.

Looking back at history, when George Washington became president, Americas "regular army" included less than 500 men. However, he believe that over time, with patience, the country would develop and strengthen. To further this, it was encouraged to settle in contested lands. You must understand, by having these additional lands and people under your umbrella, they will eventually nationalize and add to the power of the country (as long as they're culturally compatible). Thus, if Ukraine became Russia, their entire army and population would be a net gain on top of Russias current power. The same applies to Africa. Over decades and centuries, this allows a country to become massively more powerful as those areas and people develop and integrate.

Therefore, retreating from these territories is not something to be celebrated. It's weakness and could turn into losing Superpower status in the future. It certainly doesn't help. There are many, many, many emerging markets in the world. There are investments into the future relations, etc. Putin and the BRICs countries are investing everything they have into these markets, knowing that they will advance and wield power in the future. By completely removing American influence, we become weaker and less safe.

Say what you want, America NEEDS an environment in which as many countries as possible rely on them. It's good business. Since America is only 3% of the world, it's the only sustainable model to remain a long-term Super Power. This is why the countries hate it. They want Americas demise. It's really that simple. That's why I laugh at Americans who say things along the lines of "why does America have to dominate the world?" If America doesn't, someone else will, and we will be living under their interests, not ours.

[Clyde_Style]

Say what you want, America NEEDS an environment in which as many countries as possible rely on them. It's good business. Since America is only 3% of the world, it's the only sustainable model to remain a long-term Super Power. This is why the countries hate it. They want Americas demise. It's really that simple. That's why I laugh at Americans who say things along the lines of "why does America have to dominate the world?" If America doesn't, someone else will, and we will be living under their interests, not ours.

Good example right now is India. Their birth cycles will have their working age population peaking as much of the rest the world settles into senior citizen status. With a good amount of their massive population attaining middle class status the GDP and buying power of India will give them enormous economic clout.

Meanwhile, in the present tense, India has no issue with buying their fuel from Russia. Modi is a businessman and a Hindu nationalist. He'll do whatever brings glory to India and consolidates his power. If that means weakening ties with the U.S. in favor of other countries then that is a clear option to pursue.

[Jalen Bluntson]

Those wars you're mentioning are what helped prop up the dollar and our economy.

I know this is off topic and we just breezed over it, but hold up

You think the War on Terror propped up our economy?

Yikes.

The war on terror? The war on countries that wanted to stop using the petrodollar. That is what I'm talking about. People are clueless.

[Pointgod]

What is going on in the world right now is an attempted power grab by several countries. Prior to the Ukraine conflict, our adversaries saw the United States as "war-avoidant", since the US just "recently" ended the Iraq/Afghanistan wars. They believed that the American public had zero stomach for additional conflict... thus, they saw this weakness as an opportunity. Why wouldn't they? The US completely dropped the ball in Syria. There was no consequence over Crimea. China really had no consequence for their man-made islands and territorial grabs within the South China Sea. Then, to top it all off, Trump completely backstabbed the Kurdish and allowed Russia/Turkey/Iran to move in to take land that US troops held, in order to withdraw from the regions near the Iraq/Syria/Turkey border.

America showed nothing but weakness. Then, after Biden took over, the withdrawal from Afghanistan was a disaster, and made it even worse.

As a result, Russia never expected the United States to have any appetite to support Ukraine. Just think, while in office, Trump wanted the US to leave NATO... look at how foolish that appears now. Thus, when NATO and America stepped up, they were probably shocked. Russia mis-calculated... and there has been a definite effect on China, who has been watching closely.

Make no mistake, many countries want to reshape the world and gain power. There is no question. The best response is an extremely defiant, strong and responsive United States, and NATO. They are constantly lingering and waiting to take advantage of a slip up. They must be challenged at every sign of aggression.

With that said, numerous counties are certainly concerned about the impact that 'Western sanctions could have on their countries if the West decides to target them. To an extent, there is a good reason for this...because the sanctions are effective. It's somewhat of a verification of how strong the unified sanctions are.. With that said, a majority of the global skilled labor, technology, innovation and financial systems are concentrated in the West. The economies are extremely advanced and strong. Just look at three key statistics: the unemployment rate of BRICs countries, their GDP per capita and average educational achievement/literacy. The West is so much more robust and will keep attracting/pumping out intellectual talent as a result. This is not going to change anytime soon. These other countries still have major hurdles to overcome.

I liked the countries economic and foreign deplomacy position better with Trump at the helm. America took a stand against countries that weren't willing to help themselves and only looked to profit and rebuild their infrastructure with our money. We pay, we support but what are you giving back? Fair deals for American gain and growth that would be mutually beneficial. Not backdoor dealing shrouded in espionage and violence. We had a conflict with North Korea? Trump was brave enough to go right into the lion's den and look Kim Jong Un right in the eyes and tell him what he would do. Russia? Trump sat down with Putin like men and talked like leaders. The Middle East? Trump brokered a historic peace treaty between Israel and Sudan. We had a leader who wasn't all talk behind a podium thousands of miles away. He stepped up and as a business man does, treated the country as a successful business. Did it piss off countries who have been leaching off of us for years? Absolutely but it set a new precident until the puppets went back to business as usual.

We were energy independent, we were exporting, quality of life was improving in this country until the mass hysteria and fear mongering started to purposely sink us.

Lets not sensationalize what Trump did in those conversations. He gave concessions and compromised American morals/ideals. He told Xi that the detention camps and genocide he is committing sounded like "a good idea". TBH, we really have no idea what he told "Rocket Man" or Putin behind the scenes.

I think you're concentrating far too much on the press releases and talking points. Trump and his team are all about PR. They'll spin anything. Instead, look at the facts. His team has uncomfortably deep personal and business ties to Russian agents. In his conversations with Xi/Putin, transcripts were hidden from the public. Calls and communications were made with no records whatsoever. Roger Stone, Rudi, Sundland were conducting political errands on the side for him all over Europe and the Middle East. Then, in Syria/Iraw, we completely appeased Assad, Russia & Erdogan, at the expense of our greatest Middle Eastern ally, who were the only ones willing to put massive troops on the ground to fight in our interests.

When he talks about Bidens ties to China, it's not because his moral compass is buzzing off. I truly think that it comes from a place of jealousy. He wants the connections there. He has them in Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, etc., but not with Xi or his cronies. Trump thinks about his personal interests first, second and third and gets extremely bitter if someone has access that he does not. Now, I'm not defending Biden either. Quite the opposite. But, Trump isn't Gandhi either.

Therefore, what you call "taking a stand", was really gifting Russia and China new territory and allies to work with, at our expense. The dude wanted to get out of NATO... That is malpractice at the highest degree and a clear nugget for Russia.

Looking back at history, when George Washington became president, Americas "regular army" included less than 500 men. However, he believe that over time, with patience, the country would develop and strengthen. To further this, it was encouraged to settle in contested lands. You must understand, by having these additional lands and people under your umbrella, they will eventually nationalize and add to the power of the country (as long as they're culturally compatible). Thus, if Ukraine became Russia, their entire army and population would be a net gain on top of Russias current power. The same applies to Africa. Over decades and centuries, this allows a country to become massively more powerful as those areas and people develop and integrate.

Therefore, retreating from these territories is not something to be celebrated. It's weakness and could turn into losing Superpower status in the future. It certainly doesn't help. There are many, many, many emerging markets in the world. There are investments into the future relations, etc. Putin and the BRICs countries are investing everything they have into these markets, knowing that they will advance and wield power in the future. By completely removing American influence, we become weaker and less safe.

Say what you want, America NEEDS an environment in which as many countries as possible rely on them. It's good business. Since America is only 3% of the world, it's the only sustainable model to remain a long-term Super Power. This is why the countries hate it. They want Americas demise. It's really that simple. That's why I laugh at Americans who say things along the lines of "why does America have to dominate the world?" If America doesn't, someone else will, and we will be living under their interests, not ours.

Anyone who believes that the world would be better with China or Russia as the dominant superpower is extremely uninformed. These countries are run as dictatorships and they’d treat the rest of the world as vassal states. I’m no rah rah USA type, but the great thing about Democracy is that people can influence foreign policy through their votes. Again insane if you’re against American hegemony, you should be making excuses for the Russian or Chinese version.

[MrDollarBills]

I liked the countries economic and foreign deplomacy position better with Trump at the helm. America took a stand against countries that weren't willing to help themselves and only looked to profit and rebuild their infrastructure with our money. We pay, we support but what are you giving back? Fair deals for American gain and growth that would be mutually beneficial. Not backdoor dealing shrouded in espionage and violence. We had a conflict with North Korea? Trump was brave enough to go right into the lion's den and look Kim Jong Un right in the eyes and tell him what he would do. Russia? Trump sat down with Putin like men and talked like leaders. The Middle East? Trump brokered a historic peace treaty between Israel and Sudan. We had a leader who wasn't all talk behind a podium thousands of miles away. He stepped up and as a business man does, treated the country as a successful business. Did it piss off countries who have been leaching off of us for years? Absolutely but it set a new precident until the puppets went back to business as usual.

We were energy independent, we were exporting, quality of life was improving in this country until the mass hysteria and fear mongering started to purposely sink us.

Lets not sensationalize what Trump did in those conversations. He gave concessions and compromised American morals/ideals. He told Xi that the detention camps and genocide he is committing sounded like "a good idea". TBH, we really have no idea what he told "Rocket Man" or Putin behind the scenes.

I think you're concentrating far too much on the press releases and talking points. Trump and his team are all about PR. They'll spin anything. Instead, look at the facts. His team has uncomfortably deep personal and business ties to Russian agents. In his conversations with Xi/Putin, transcripts were hidden from the public. Calls and communications were made with no records whatsoever. Roger Stone, Rudi, Sundland were conducting political errands on the side for him all over Europe and the Middle East. Then, in Syria/Iraw, we completely appeased Assad, Russia & Erdogan, at the expense of our greatest Middle Eastern ally, who were the only ones willing to put massive troops on the ground to fight in our interests.

When he talks about Bidens ties to China, it's not because his moral compass is buzzing off. I truly think that it comes from a place of jealousy. He wants the connections there. He has them in Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, etc., but not with Xi or his cronies. Trump thinks about his personal interests first, second and third and gets extremely bitter if someone has access that he does not. Now, I'm not defending Biden either. Quite the opposite. But, Trump isn't Gandhi either.

Therefore, what you call "taking a stand", was really gifting Russia and China new territory and allies to work with, at our expense. The dude wanted to get out of NATO... That is malpractice at the highest degree and a clear nugget for Russia.

Looking back at history, when George Washington became president, Americas "regular army" included less than 500 men. However, he believe that over time, with patience, the country would develop and strengthen. To further this, it was encouraged to settle in contested lands. You must understand, by having these additional lands and people under your umbrella, they will eventually nationalize and add to the power of the country (as long as they're culturally compatible). Thus, if Ukraine became Russia, their entire army and population would be a net gain on top of Russias current power. The same applies to Africa. Over decades and centuries, this allows a country to become massively more powerful as those areas and people develop and integrate.

Therefore, retreating from these territories is not something to be celebrated. It's weakness and could turn into losing Superpower status in the future. It certainly doesn't help. There are many, many, many emerging markets in the world. There are investments into the future relations, etc. Putin and the BRICs countries are investing everything they have into these markets, knowing that they will advance and wield power in the future. By completely removing American influence, we become weaker and less safe.

Say what you want, America NEEDS an environment in which as many countries as possible rely on them. It's good business. Since America is only 3% of the world, it's the only sustainable model to remain a long-term Super Power. This is why the countries hate it. They want Americas demise. It's really that simple. That's why I laugh at Americans who say things along the lines of "why does America have to dominate the world?" If America doesn't, someone else will, and we will be living under their interests, not ours.

Anyone who believes that the world would be better with China or Russia as the dominant superpower is extremely uninformed. These countries are run as dictatorships and they’d treat the rest of the world as vassal states. I’m no rah rah USA type, but the great thing about Democracy is that people can influence foreign policy through their votes. Again insane if you’re against American hegemony, you should be making excuses for the Russian or Chinese version.

Right. The USA has not been some saint, nor should anyone pretend that we are, but Russia and China are the last ones you want usurping America as the world's leading super power. Here at least we can vote to go in a different direction if our leadership does something stupid, Russians and Chinese citizens are pretty much captives with no say.

[MrDollarBills]

Those wars you're mentioning are what helped prop up the dollar and our economy.

I know this is off topic and we just breezed over it, but hold up

You think the War on Terror propped up our economy?

Yikes.

The war on terror? The war on countries that wanted to stop using the petrodollar. That is what I'm talking about. People are clueless.

Question: Outside of Libya, what other countries, who unfortunately got caught up in Bush II and then Obama's horse sh*t, were planning on not using the dollar to buy oil? I'm not sure that has anything to do with Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, etc. Its been years though so I'm not even sure anymore.

But yeah, Libya was the absolute disgrace of the Obama Administration's foreign policy. That was my biggest beef with Obama....Libya was doing well and got basically decimated over that crap. There had to have been a better way.

[Jalen Bluntson]

I know this is off topic and we just breezed over it, but hold up

You think the War on Terror propped up our economy?

Yikes.

The war on terror? The war on countries that wanted to stop using the petrodollar. That is what I'm talking about. People are clueless.

Question: Outside of Libya, what other countries, who unfortunately got caught up in Bush II and then Obama's horse sh*t, were planning on not using the dollar to buy oil? I'm not sure that has anything to do with Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia, etc. Its been years though so I'm not even sure anymore.

But yeah, Libya was the absolute disgrace of the Obama Administration's foreign policy. That was my biggest beef with Obama....Libya was doing well and got basically decimated over that crap. There had to have been a better way.

Iraq. Saddam was going off the petrodollar. I would gomas far to say we are meddling in Venezuela for their oil supply as well.

Half the world is about to go off the petrodollar system. Currency wars are well under way. Weaponizing the dollar has backfired tremendously.

[Clyde_Style]

Lets not sensationalize what Trump did in those conversations. He gave concessions and compromised American morals/ideals. He told Xi that the detention camps and genocide he is committing sounded like "a good idea". TBH, we really have no idea what he told "Rocket Man" or Putin behind the scenes.

I think you're concentrating far too much on the press releases and talking points. Trump and his team are all about PR. They'll spin anything. Instead, look at the facts. His team has uncomfortably deep personal and business ties to Russian agents. In his conversations with Xi/Putin, transcripts were hidden from the public. Calls and communications were made with no records whatsoever. Roger Stone, Rudi, Sundland were conducting political errands on the side for him all over Europe and the Middle East. Then, in Syria/Iraw, we completely appeased Assad, Russia & Erdogan, at the expense of our greatest Middle Eastern ally, who were the only ones willing to put massive troops on the ground to fight in our interests.

When he talks about Bidens ties to China, it's not because his moral compass is buzzing off. I truly think that it comes from a place of jealousy. He wants the connections there. He has them in Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, etc., but not with Xi or his cronies. Trump thinks about his personal interests first, second and third and gets extremely bitter if someone has access that he does not. Now, I'm not defending Biden either. Quite the opposite. But, Trump isn't Gandhi either.

Therefore, what you call "taking a stand", was really gifting Russia and China new territory and allies to work with, at our expense. The dude wanted to get out of NATO... That is malpractice at the highest degree and a clear nugget for Russia.

Looking back at history, when George Washington became president, Americas "regular army" included less than 500 men. However, he believe that over time, with patience, the country would develop and strengthen. To further this, it was encouraged to settle in contested lands. You must understand, by having these additional lands and people under your umbrella, they will eventually nationalize and add to the power of the country (as long as they're culturally compatible). Thus, if Ukraine became Russia, their entire army and population would be a net gain on top of Russias current power. The same applies to Africa. Over decades and centuries, this allows a country to become massively more powerful as those areas and people develop and integrate.

Therefore, retreating from these territories is not something to be celebrated. It's weakness and could turn into losing Superpower status in the future. It certainly doesn't help. There are many, many, many emerging markets in the world. There are investments into the future relations, etc. Putin and the BRICs countries are investing everything they have into these markets, knowing that they will advance and wield power in the future. By completely removing American influence, we become weaker and less safe.

Say what you want, America NEEDS an environment in which as many countries as possible rely on them. It's good business. Since America is only 3% of the world, it's the only sustainable model to remain a long-term Super Power. This is why the countries hate it. They want Americas demise. It's really that simple. That's why I laugh at Americans who say things along the lines of "why does America have to dominate the world?" If America doesn't, someone else will, and we will be living under their interests, not ours.

Anyone who believes that the world would be better with China or Russia as the dominant superpower is extremely uninformed. These countries are run as dictatorships and they’d treat the rest of the world as vassal states. I’m no rah rah USA type, but the great thing about Democracy is that people can influence foreign policy through their votes. Again insane if you’re against American hegemony, you should be making excuses for the Russian or Chinese version.

Right. The USA has not been some saint, nor should anyone pretend that we are, but Russia and China are the last ones you want usurping America as the world's leading super power. Here at least we can vote to go in a different direction if our leadership does something stupid, Russians and Chinese citizens are pretty much captives with no say.

It is playing out this way across the world. Some democracies are veering towards fascism and autocratic rule. It's happening right here. The GOP supports a man who tried to overthrow a free and fair election. Republicans are no longer patriots who support the constitution. They want to remove the right to vote, destroy their enemies and have unlimited power.

So of course Republicans don't want to fund Ukraine. It has absolutely nothing to do with their desire to limit foreign engagements or to channel those funds towards domestic expenditures. It's because Russia represents the state they want America to mirror. They glorify dominance, not law and order.

[drekwins]

Anyone who believes that the world would be better with China or Russia as the dominant superpower is extremely uninformed. These countries are run as dictatorships and they’d treat the rest of the world as vassal states. I’m no rah rah USA type, but the great thing about Democracy is that people can influence foreign policy through their votes. Again insane if you’re against American hegemony, you should be making excuses for the Russian or Chinese version.

Right. The USA has not been some saint, nor should anyone pretend that we are, but Russia and China are the last ones you want usurping America as the world's leading super power. Here at least we can vote to go in a different direction if our leadership does something stupid, Russians and Chinese citizens are pretty much captives with no say.

It is playing out this way across the world. Some democracies are veering towards fascism and autocratic rule. It's happening right here. The GOP supports a man who tried to overthrow a free and fair election. Republicans are no longer patriots who support the constitution. They want to remove the right to vote, destroy their enemies and have unlimited power.

So of course Republicans don't want to fund Ukraine. It has absolutely nothing to do with their desire to limit foreign engagements or to channel those funds towards domestic expenditures. It's because Russia represents the state they want America to mirror. They glorify dominance, not law and order.

Some on the far left sympathize with communism. The far right sympathizes with autocracy. Meanwhile, everyone that lands somewhere in the middle, is kind of demonized by both parties. It's a weird time to be alive.

[Clyde_Style]

Right. The USA has not been some saint, nor should anyone pretend that we are, but Russia and China are the last ones you want usurping America as the world's leading super power. Here at least we can vote to go in a different direction if our leadership does something stupid, Russians and Chinese citizens are pretty much captives with no say.

It is playing out this way across the world. Some democracies are veering towards fascism and autocratic rule. It's happening right here. The GOP supports a man who tried to overthrow a free and fair election. Republicans are no longer patriots who support the constitution. They want to remove the right to vote, destroy their enemies and have unlimited power.

So of course Republicans don't want to fund Ukraine. It has absolutely nothing to do with their desire to limit foreign engagements or to channel those funds towards domestic expenditures. It's because Russia represents the state they want America to mirror. They glorify dominance, not law and order.

Some on the far left sympathize with communism. The far right sympathizes with autocracy. Meanwhile, everyone that lands somewhere in the middle, is kind of demonized by both parties. It's a weird time to be alive.

Yes, strange times. I consider myself progressive, but some here tried to paint me as a neoliberal because I've advocated support for the Democrats ever since 2016 knowing what was at stake. And I was goddamn right about it years in advance of January 6th.

Being anti-fascist in a binary electoral system somehow made me a centrist or worse to some. Picking sides is what adults do when faced with the end of your civilization. Pragmatism was bandied about like it was a dirty word. Some people consider themselves functional leftists because they virtual signal online.

I don't pretend to be an activist, only that I call out fascists when I see them and trust that the bone structure of our political system is worth salvaging. One of the only people on these boards that I'm aware of being truly engaged with the political process is Jremi.

I don't think many of us who post are involved in grass roots organizing. In keeping with the times, most of us let off our political steam in places like this which has its place. It's the village square these days.

[spree2kawhi]

Lets not sensationalize what Trump did in those conversations. He gave concessions and compromised American morals/ideals. He told Xi that the detention camps and genocide he is committing sounded like "a good idea". TBH, we really have no idea what he told "Rocket Man" or Putin behind the scenes.

I think you're concentrating far too much on the press releases and talking points. Trump and his team are all about PR. They'll spin anything. Instead, look at the facts. His team has uncomfortably deep personal and business ties to Russian agents. In his conversations with Xi/Putin, transcripts were hidden from the public. Calls and communications were made with no records whatsoever. Roger Stone, Rudi, Sundland were conducting political errands on the side for him all over Europe and the Middle East. Then, in Syria/Iraw, we completely appeased Assad, Russia & Erdogan, at the expense of our greatest Middle Eastern ally, who were the only ones willing to put massive troops on the ground to fight in our interests.

When he talks about Bidens ties to China, it's not because his moral compass is buzzing off. I truly think that it comes from a place of jealousy. He wants the connections there. He has them in Saudi Arabia, Russia, Turkey, etc., but not with Xi or his cronies. Trump thinks about his personal interests first, second and third and gets extremely bitter if someone has access that he does not. Now, I'm not defending Biden either. Quite the opposite. But, Trump isn't Gandhi either.

Therefore, what you call "taking a stand", was really gifting Russia and China new territory and allies to work with, at our expense. The dude wanted to get out of NATO... That is malpractice at the highest degree and a clear nugget for Russia.

Looking back at history, when George Washington became president, Americas "regular army" included less than 500 men. However, he believe that over time, with patience, the country would develop and strengthen. To further this, it was encouraged to settle in contested lands. You must understand, by having these additional lands and people under your umbrella, they will eventually nationalize and add to the power of the country (as long as they're culturally compatible). Thus, if Ukraine became Russia, their entire army and population would be a net gain on top of Russias current power. The same applies to Africa. Over decades and centuries, this allows a country to become massively more powerful as those areas and people develop and integrate.

Therefore, retreating from these territories is not something to be celebrated. It's weakness and could turn into losing Superpower status in the future. It certainly doesn't help. There are many, many, many emerging markets in the world. There are investments into the future relations, etc. Putin and the BRICs countries are investing everything they have into these markets, knowing that they will advance and wield power in the future. By completely removing American influence, we become weaker and less safe.

Say what you want, America NEEDS an environment in which as many countries as possible rely on them. It's good business. Since America is only 3% of the world, it's the only sustainable model to remain a long-term Super Power. This is why the countries hate it. They want Americas demise. It's really that simple. That's why I laugh at Americans who say things along the lines of "why does America have to dominate the world?" If America doesn't, someone else will, and we will be living under their interests, not ours.

Anyone who believes that the world would be better with China or Russia as the dominant superpower is extremely uninformed. These countries are run as dictatorships and they’d treat the rest of the world as vassal states. I’m no rah rah USA type, but the great thing about Democracy is that people can influence foreign policy through their votes. Again insane if you’re against American hegemony, you should be making excuses for the Russian or Chinese version.

Right. The USA has not been some saint, nor should anyone pretend that we are, but Russia and China are the last ones you want usurping America as the world's leading super power. Here at least we can vote to go in a different direction if our leadership does something stupid, Russians and Chinese citizens are pretty much captives with no say.

If Trump doesn’t become President again that is …

[spree2kawhi]

Working brain? You think aiding Ukraine is bankrupting our country???

Conservatives really have no grasp on our govt

It's certainly not helping:

San Diego





Miami



New York

Are you under the impression that if we don't support the war they're suddenly going to try to fix the homelessness issue

Dude. The same politician who said don't fund Ukraine two days ago LITERALLY promoted a go fundraiser for a guy who murdered a homeless person.

This thread has become stupid as the rats have come out again. It’s a shame.

[Zenzibar]

It's certainly not helping:

San Diego





Miami



New York

Are you under the impression that if we don't support the war they're suddenly going to try to fix the homelessness issue

Dude. The same politician who said don't fund Ukraine two days ago LITERALLY promoted a go fundraiser for a guy who murdered a homeless person.

This thread has become stupid as the rats have come out again. It’s a shame.

Fk are you talking about? You sound like another Karen, with nothing to say but rant and insult. Nice.

[8516knicks]

"An FBI agent says Giuliani was compromised by Russians. According to this new whistleblower and various US intelligence findings, Giuliani apparently was a dupe—a useful idiot—for suspected Russian operatives and propagandists."

"...Andriy Derkach, the son of a former KGB officer and then a Ukrainian legislator, who supplied Giuliani with unsubstantiated information about the Bidens’ supposed activities in Ukraine."

[MrDollarBills]

"An FBI agent says Giuliani was compromised by Russians. According to this new whistleblower and various US intelligence findings, Giuliani apparently was a dupe—a useful idiot—for suspected Russian operatives and propagandists."

"...Andriy Derkach, the son of a former KGB officer and then a Ukrainian legislator, who supplied Giuliani with unsubstantiated information about the Bidens’ supposed activities in Ukraine."

It's going to be funny the day all that Biden/Burisma stuff that MAGAs regurgitate gets revealed to be Russian agitprop.

[Pointgod]

Right. The USA has not been some saint, nor should anyone pretend that we are, but Russia and China are the last ones you want usurping America as the world's leading super power. Here at least we can vote to go in a different direction if our leadership does something stupid, Russians and Chinese citizens are pretty much captives with no say.

It is playing out this way across the world. Some democracies are veering towards fascism and autocratic rule. It's happening right here. The GOP supports a man who tried to overthrow a free and fair election. Republicans are no longer patriots who support the constitution. They want to remove the right to vote, destroy their enemies and have unlimited power.

So of course Republicans don't want to fund Ukraine. It has absolutely nothing to do with their desire to limit foreign engagements or to channel those funds towards domestic expenditures. It's because Russia represents the state they want America to mirror. They glorify dominance, not law and order.

Some on the far left sympathize with communism. The far right sympathizes with autocracy. Meanwhile, everyone that lands somewhere in the middle, is kind of demonized by both parties. It's a weird time to be alive.

I wouldn’t characterize the far left and far right as the same thing. The far right openly supports facism, extermination of anyone who isn’t sufficiently part of their cult and doesn’t respect borders or Democracy. The far left means well, it’s just that most of them aren’t that bright. They try to position communism as an alternative to capitalism without acknowledging the brutal oppression of communist dictatorships. I don’t expect anyone who’s parents or grandparents escaped a communist dictatorship to support socialism , even though there are different forms. The far right would enact their policies through state sponsored violence while those on the left want to win the market place of ideas, it’s just that communism is a failed political and economic philosophy. The counter culture against capitalism is how you find those on the left agreeing with Facists on the right about not funding Ukraine or blaming NATO for Russian imperialism

[drekwins]

It is playing out this way across the world. Some democracies are veering towards fascism and autocratic rule. It's happening right here. The GOP supports a man who tried to overthrow a free and fair election. Republicans are no longer patriots who support the constitution. They want to remove the right to vote, destroy their enemies and have unlimited power.

So of course Republicans don't want to fund Ukraine. It has absolutely nothing to do with their desire to limit foreign engagements or to channel those funds towards domestic expenditures. It's because Russia represents the state they want America to mirror. They glorify dominance, not law and order.

Some on the far left sympathize with communism. The far right sympathizes with autocracy. Meanwhile, everyone that lands somewhere in the middle, is kind of demonized by both parties. It's a weird time to be alive.

I wouldn’t characterize the far left and far right as the same thing. The far right openly supports facism, extermination of anyone who isn’t sufficiently part of their cult and doesn’t respect borders or Democracy. The far left means well, it’s just that most of them aren’t that bright. They try to position communism as an alternative to capitalism without acknowledging the brutal oppression of communist dictatorships. I don’t expect anyone who’s parents or grandparents escaped a communist dictatorship to support socialism , even though there are different forms. The far right would enact their policies through state sponsored violence while those on the left want to win the market place of ideas, it’s just that communism is a failed political and economic philosophy. The counter culture against capitalism is how you find those on the left agreeing with Facists on the right about not funding Ukraine or blaming NATO for Russian imperialism

I didn't do such a thing. Autocracy and communism are NOT synonymous in any way, shape or form. Both are mutually exclusive concepts. Both concepts are practiced by our adversaries. China practices both.

With that said, I'm not willing to give the "far left" a pass like you are. Who is predominantly in-charge of the direction of our educational systems? The left drives it. Our schools are producing these "idiots" and incompetent adults. I say this as someone that is VERY in the middle and always considered myself left leaning, especially socially. The left has to take a look in the mirror, just like the right, because they also have major problems within the party and its direction.

A mass production of idiots is dangerous. Idc what their intentions are. Lastly, I don't agree that all are positive but jut stupid. I think that both sides are filled with hate... and, in many cases, want to see their adversaries suffer more than they want the country to prosper.

[Clyde_Style]

Some on the far left sympathize with communism. The far right sympathizes with autocracy. Meanwhile, everyone that lands somewhere in the middle, is kind of demonized by both parties. It's a weird time to be alive.

I wouldn’t characterize the far left and far right as the same thing. The far right openly supports facism, extermination of anyone who isn’t sufficiently part of their cult and doesn’t respect borders or Democracy. The far left means well, it’s just that most of them aren’t that bright. They try to position communism as an alternative to capitalism without acknowledging the brutal oppression of communist dictatorships. I don’t expect anyone who’s parents or grandparents escaped a communist dictatorship to support socialism , even though there are different forms. The far right would enact their policies through state sponsored violence while those on the left want to win the market place of ideas, it’s just that communism is a failed political and economic philosophy. The counter culture against capitalism is how you find those on the left agreeing with Facists on the right about not funding Ukraine or blaming NATO for Russian imperialism

I didn't do such a thing. Autocracy and communism are NOT synonymous in any way, shape or form. Both are mutually exclusive concepts. Both concepts are practiced by our adversaries. China practices both.

With that said, I'm not willing to give the "far left" a pass like you are. Who is predominantly in-charge of the direction of our educational systems? The left drives it. Our schools are producing these "idiots" and incompetent adults. I say this as someone that is VERY in the middle and always considered myself left leaning, especially socially. The left has to take a look in the mirror, just like the right, because they also have major problems within the party and its direction.

A mass production of idiots is dangerous. Idc what their intentions are. Lastly, I don't agree that all are positive but jut stupid. I think that both sides are filled with hate... and, in many cases, want to see their adversaries suffer more than they want the country to prosper.

Not sure the right has any answers to educational issues though. Book banning does not seem to be an impulse driven by a desire to educate.

[drekwins]

I wouldn’t characterize the far left and far right as the same thing. The far right openly supports facism, extermination of anyone who isn’t sufficiently part of their cult and doesn’t respect borders or Democracy. The far left means well, it’s just that most of them aren’t that bright. They try to position communism as an alternative to capitalism without acknowledging the brutal oppression of communist dictatorships. I don’t expect anyone who’s parents or grandparents escaped a communist dictatorship to support socialism , even though there are different forms. The far right would enact their policies through state sponsored violence while those on the left want to win the market place of ideas, it’s just that communism is a failed political and economic philosophy. The counter culture against capitalism is how you find those on the left agreeing with Facists on the right about not funding Ukraine or blaming NATO for Russian imperialism

I didn't do such a thing. Autocracy and communism are NOT synonymous in any way, shape or form. Both are mutually exclusive concepts. Both concepts are practiced by our adversaries. China practices both.

With that said, I'm not willing to give the "far left" a pass like you are. Who is predominantly in-charge of the direction of our educational systems? The left drives it. Our schools are producing these "idiots" and incompetent adults. I say this as someone that is VERY in the middle and always considered myself left leaning, especially socially. The left has to take a look in the mirror, just like the right, because they also have major problems within the party and its direction.

A mass production of idiots is dangerous. Idc what their intentions are. Lastly, I don't agree that all are positive but jut stupid. I think that both sides are filled with hate... and, in many cases, want to see their adversaries suffer more than they want the country to prosper.

Not sure the right has any answers to educational issues though. Book banning does not seem to be an impulse driven by a desire to educate.

Not saying they do. Quite the opposite. I think both sides are very lost. This was really the overriding point of my original post about autocracy and communism.

To expand briefly, I think that, instead of trying to guide these lost souls and fix these issues, our leaders try to leverage the fears/delusions of their constituents to gain support, even when its insane. It's the path of least resistance. They'll make points that they know have zero truth. They'll embrace ridiculous conspiracy theories. They'll campaign on talking points. They'll make false equivalencies. Empty promises. The lost eat it up and then have the loudest voices because they feel legitimized.

I don't have faith in either side to do anything in the best interest of this country before their own political careers... which is never the way it was supposed to be. I just know that once something bad enough happens "9/11", we unite. Until then, we are a complacent country with a bunch of willfully ignorant people that have no clue how dark things could get, or even entertain the thought.

[MrDollarBills]

Read on Twitter

?t=chjnSQiEOZawbAPvXp7WBQ&s=19

Oh hell no.

The Senate Intelligence Committee needs to subpoena this racist Jew hating sack of **** TODAY.

Part of me hopes that Ukraine will catch him slipping when he's off US soil. F*ck him, if he wants to aid and abet Putin he can be considered an enemy combatant all the same.

EDIT: Now I get why he started going off on the ADL this week. He knew that this story was coming.

Starlink is being paid by the DoD for Ukraine to use. He needs to answer for this.